Odessa among best small towns

While residents may consider Odessa’s most distinguishing attribute to be its founding by Germans from Russia, it also has a strong ranching presence, which has now been recognized by a national publication.

The April/May 2012 issue of American Cowboy magazine features a cover article naming “The 20 Best Rural Towns in the West.” The towns are categorized by region: The Rockies; California/Nevada; Northwest; Southwest; Texas/Oklahoma; and The Great Plains.

The Northwest category includes three small towns in the top 20: Jordan Valley, Ore., Winthrop, Wash. and Riggins, Idaho. Odessa garnered one of three Honorable Mentions in the Northwest. The article states that, “On the bunchgrass prairies of eastern Washington’s channeled scablands, Odessa has some of the state’s finest rangelands, which support the robust ranching community.” Other Northwest towns earning Honorable Mention status are Conconully, Wash. and Echo, Ore.

Of the top 20 rural towns mentioned, the focus is on the importance of ranching in each community, as well as the small town attractions offered, such as rodeos, musical and country-style festivals, western atmosphere and other rural-town amenities.

American Cowboy magazine is a bi-monthly publication available on newsstands or by subscription at http://www.americancowboy.com. Articles in the magazine revolve around ranching and farming, horsemanship, outdoor activities and other related subjects. In the current issue, you’ll find feature articles about hay production, cattle branding, western gear, mounted rifle shooting and travel, all in an easy-to-read format with stunning photographs.

With national recognition as one of the best small towns in America, based on its “robust ranching community,” perhaps Odessa would do well to re-focus its emphasis from its historical foundation to what it has to offer currently. Could our town do more to embrace the western image that helps the top 20 rural towns thrive, such as hosting rodeos, music and country festivals and the like? If so, maybe we could see a revitalization of this already great, small rural town.

Congratulations to Odessa for the Honorable Mention!

Patricia Jarschke lives in Odessa with her husband Butch and is a regular contributor to The Odessa Record.